Rembrandt stolen in 'well-planned theft'

LA police are on the lookout for two people suspected in the theft of a Rembrandt drawing from a luxury hotel in the California beachfront resort of Marina del Rey.

The Judgment, a pen and ink drawing with an estimated value of $US250,000, was on display as part of an exhibition held in the lobby of the Ritz-Carlton hotel, which also featured a Picasso.

The Dutch master's piece was stolen late on Saturday, around 10:30pm, when an accomplice of the thief distracted the exhibition's curator, Los Angeles county sheriff spokesman Steve Whitmore said.

"The curator turned his attention away from the exhibit, toward this other individual. And when he turned back, the Rembrandt was gone," Mr Whitmore explained.

"This appears to be a well-thought, well-planned, well-executed theft."

Investigators say a video surveillance camera may have recorded the theft.

Mr Whitmore said any such footage would "help us tremendously" in solving the crime.

"Our confidence is high that we're going to apprehend the culprit and return the original Rembrandt to its rightful owner," he added, noting that the hotel has "one of the best" security teams in the United States.

The drawing and dozens more pieces on sale were being exhibited on easels.